Royal Corps of Signals

Leaders in a digital age

The Royal Signals are the Army's professional communicators. Everywhere the Army deploys – from Special Forces and intelligence gathering teams to personnel deployed in armoured vehicles, the Royals Signals deploy.

Facts & Figures

Active from

28 June 1920

Role

Command support

Specialism

Communications

Our Skills

Intelligent, innovative and technically astute, our soldiers are trained to become experts in both engineering and operating a plethora of communications systems, computer networks and cyber equipment.

Electronic warfare and cyber

Diagnostics and repair of equipment

Mechanical and electronic repair

Sourcing, issue and delivery of equipment

Fibre optic repair and installation

Special Forces communicator

Operate hi-tech communications systems

Jamming and intercepting communications

Current deployment

Royal Signals soldiers are currently deployed globally providing commanders with information and communication services to enable their decision making and control of their units.

Op TORAL – Afghanistan

Op CABRIT – Estonia

Op SHADER – Iraq

Op NEWCOMBE - Mali

Op ELGIN - Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo

Op TRENTON - South Sudan

Op TAURUS – Nigeria

Op TANGHAM - Somalia

Rest of World – the Royal Signals also has long standing commitments around the world, including Germany, Canada, the Falkland Islands, the USA, Cyprus, the Middle East, Kenya, Brunei, and Nepal.

Our People

The Royal Signals is a family - we selected the best Officers and soldiers to fit this family, encouraging them to use their talent, enthusiasm and experience in the on-going pursuit of excellence.

Cpl Pettit – I can have a powerful effect on an adversary

LCpl Adams – I have increased my experience in command and leadership

Sig Davetanevalu – I provide vital information to the commander

I do more than just sit behind a desk
Steve, 19

The Royal Signals has deployed on every operation the Army has been involved in – reliable, secure communications are a vital requirement in every possible situation. Whether fighting to set up complex information and radio networks under fire, enabling communications for humanitarian missions or providing 3G networks for multinational forces, the Royal Signals tackle a wide range of operations using their diverse skill set in times of peace and conflict.

History of Military Communication

Communications have always been, and are still a vital part of the Army’s fighting power. Only with clear and trusted communications can commanders support, control, and lead their units and soldiers. The evolution of electrical communications in the last 150 years has been one of the most important developments humanity has ever witnessed. As the advantages that from ever more complex equipment became apparent the need for a technical arm of the Army, who specialised in communication systems, became apparent. The Royal Corps of Signals was founded in 1920 and since its founding the Corps has been leading the development of communications; delivering them in a variety of operational theatres.

1854

The first use of the electric telegraph in the Crimean War enabled Army commanders to report daily to London.

1899

Field telephones and wireless communications are deployed for the first time in the Boer war.

1914-1918

The Fuller phone containing a form of mechanical encryption is developed to prevent interception of line communication.

1939-1945

The no 10 set used microwave technology to provide the first mobile wireless telephone.

1982

The first deployment of satellite communications in the Falklands War allows taskforce commanders to speak to London in real time.

2003-2018

High capacity data networks in Afghanistan enable fast use of evidence to prosecute insurgents and enhanced situational awareness for commanders.

Stafford

1st Signal Regiment
A multi role signal regiment delivering information and communication services to the armoured brigades’ headquarters, the wide area network and the satellite link to communicate back to the UK.
16th Signal Regiment
A multi role signal regiment delivering information and communication services to the armoured brigades’ headquarters, the wide area network and the satellite link to communicate back to the UK.
22nd Signal Regiment
Provides the information and communication services to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Headquarters.

Corsham

10th Signal Regiment
The Regiment provides specialist capabilities across defence including electronic counter measures and communications support and resilience to civil authority operations.

Blandford Forum

11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment
Part of the Defence School of Communication and Information Systems, the regiment conducts training for all personnel in the Royal Signals at phase 2 (trade specific training) and throughout their career.
15th Signal Regiment (Information Support)
The regiment is staffed by technical specialists who provide 3rd line support to deployed communication and information systems remotely and in theatre.

Haverford West

Colerne

21st Signal Regiment
A multi role signal regiment, the regiment currently provide information and communication services to the armoured brigades’ headquarters, the wide area network and the satellite link to communicate back to the UK.

Nuneaton

30th Signal Regiment
Rapidly deployable, the regiment provides information and communication services to headquarters, held at high readiness, to react globally.